Take I-805 N or I-5 N to CA-99N toward Bakersfield/Fresno. CA-190 W to US-395 S and turn left. We definitely hope to camp at Sequoia eventually though! Now you will be driving on Generals Highway, the scenic road that connects the two parks together. The Moro Rock Stairway is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sequoia National Park. During snowy weather, tire chains may be required to drive park roads. Continue to the Ash Mountain entrance of Sequoia National Park. Scenic highway highlights are listed below. Generals Highway (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park) - All You San Diego Area Overall, we had the best time at Sequoia National Park. Discover how different the country looked before settlers destroyed most of the giant sequoias. Tip: If you have space, carry a pair of small binoculars during your visit. 4. I was scared S&*TLESS! Thank you for your continued support. Gaze up at the second largest tree in the world and find out just how old it actually is. Going further into Kings Canyon National Park will add about an hour or so to your drive time. Very scenic but dangerous drive along the Generals Highway at Sequoia Curves and switchbacks often lead to surprise wildlife encounters. But if we can do it, so can you! We also have detailed guides about how to hike Upper Yosemite Falls and the Mist and Muir Trails. I recommend using AllTrails or Strava to map your route so you can easily retrace your steps if needed. These giant trees attract quite the crowd. Get out, stretch your legs, and go for an easy walk. During the winter months, the road is closed, so the only way to get to Moro Rock is by hiking the 2 miles to it from the Giant Forest Museum. If you are visiting during winter you have to be prepared for both sunny, clear days as well as cloudy, overcast snowy days. Take exit 96 onto CA-198 E towards Visalia. You must arrange for a car yourself. On my bucket list to do, but I would also like to include some other stops on the way like the Wyoming, Utah and Montana countryside. We have a 25.5ft Class C RV. For road conditions outside of the park, please call 800-427-7623 or visit these CalTrans webpages: Highway 180. Find out how the Park Service protects this unique, surprisingly delicate ecosystem. Here is an affiliate link to Booking.com to look at properties in Three Rivers. PRO TRAVEL TIP #1: This is a very, very windy road. It's a heck of a lot better than driving through Lion's Trail or taking the road up to Johnsondale. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway is Highway 180. After this fork, the main highway enters into a series of steep switchbacks, dropping into the deep canyon of the Middle Fork Kaweah River. [] close to the action, we made the most of our two days here as we walked among the giant trees, hiked up giant rocks, and saw bears (from afar, my preferred viewing []. Roads here are steep, winding, and narrow. If you are coming from the north or west on CA 180 do not be discouraged by Fresno and the smog. Driving to Sequoia National Park is not for the faint of heart or stomach. This is another large area great for snowshoeing and sledding. The trees are also a sight to see. Alternatively, there are plenty of spots to capture photos of Moro Rock, rather than climb it. Hike one of the most popular trails in the park, which serves as a proper introduction to the majesty of the giant sequoias. Planning a national park vacation can be almost as fun as taking one. We stayed at the brand new Holiday Inn Express. Since travel times to the two areas are increased during winter it is advised to pick a section for each day of your visit. Your email address will not be published. Yosemite National Park (southern entrance at Wawona on Hwy 41) Explore Kings Canyon. [] doing some climbing in Sequoia, but decided to continue on to Yosemite. Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes I would not recommend this one for first time snowshoers or snow hikers. We wanted our young kids to be rested and ready for long days of hikes and exploring. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. We have not used it, so I dont know how it lines up with our itinerary, but for $10 it sounds like a good deal if you like to learn more about what you are seeing. Crescent Meadow is a quiet meadow located at the end of Crescent Meadow Road. Get to know the music of the tribes who once populated this region. The John Muir Lodge is the only hotel on the Kings Canyon side of the park. His snow boots werent quite as great as we had hoped! Take in stunning views of valleys, foothills, and granite peaks from this fabulous overlook. San Francisco With the limited time we had, we would rather wander among the giant sequoia trees and explore Kings Canyon. We were here on a Saturday so we had to take the shuttle. This town is a short drive from southern entrance to Sequoia National Park. Consider taking the free shuttle from the Giant Forest Museum. It was neat to check out, and then afterwards, its a quick drive to get to Moro Rock, the granite behemoth that somebody thought would be fun to climb. We did all three during our visit. There, youll find additional must-stop vistas, incredible landmarks like Boyden Cavern (a marble cave), and the self-explanatory Roaring River Falls. Yesterday, 2-9-16, was the clearest and most pristine day we can remember where we live about 20 miles SE of Fresno. The General Sherman Tree is the worlds largest tree, by volume. Learn more about the immense trees which dominate this park. The drive from Grant Grove to Zumwalt Meadows on this road is 30 miles long and takes between 45 minutes and an hour. This is especially common in the Foothills area of Sequoia National Park. This is one of the roads that runs through the two parks, you have to take this road to see any of the vistas, hikes, attractions. Your $20 round-trip ticket on Sequoia Shuttle covers your entry into the park as well as unlimited, free shuttle service inside. That's not how you get to Sequoia park lol. Gasoline is available at two locations within the surrounding Sequoia National Forest at Hume Lake and Stony Creek. Learn how to plan for a wait at the entrance station. Overall, this is a great family friendly trail for all ages. There are cheaper options, but I have used these for more than 5 years from hiking the Narrows in Zion to the Andes in Ecuador. This is also the site of the Congress Trail for hikers looking for more of the parks biggest trees. Need Tire Chains? The General's Highway is the main road transecting Sequoia National Park providing access to important sightseeing for visitors to the National Park. I learned the hard way by sinking in several feet of snow at every step off trail! All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. The cost per vehicle is $35. Generals Highway, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: Address, Phone Number, Generals Highway Reviews: 4.5/5. Snowshoes: Depending on the snow conditions during your visit, you may want/need snowshoes. The Generals Highway is a highway that connects State Route 180 and State Route 198 through Sequoia National Park, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Kings. Had we needed to continue on we would have probably put on chains just to be safe. No gasoline is available in the national parks, though nearby national forests have gas stations. This tree is actually a national shrine as well! Stretch your legs with this quick walk through a secluded part of the forest. Past the falls trail (which also features great overlooks and wildflowers patches), youll arrive at Amphitheater Point and Generals Highway Lookout, the first of many astonishing vistas along your route. There are two areas within the park for snow play and sledding depending which side of the park you are on. You do have the option to walk here from Moro Rock. One of the best drives in the NPS. The 50-mile route, which is full of twists and turns, takes visitors into one of the deepest canyons in North America. More than 40 miles of trails travel through the Giant Forest; pick any one and take a walk among natures majestic sentinels. From South Lake Tahoe take US-50 W towards Sacramento. There is currently no access to giant sequoias, the General Sherman, or Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Below are our top picks on places to stay inside the park as well as in Three Rivers near the Sequoia side of the park. There is a parking area another 10 miles or so north of Wuksachi where many Sequoias are right by the roadway. Yes, as long as you dont smash your kids head on a overhanging rock. Weather in Sequoia National Park in Winter. The Trail of 100 Giants is quiet and less crowded in comparison to other attractions within Sequoia National Park. Generals Highway (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. how to cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge. Food may also be available about 15 miles north at the Stoney Creek Lodge on the Sequoia National Forest. Driving Directions - Sequoia & Kings Canyon - National Park Service Typically once the road is closed for the season it will not open up again until the spring. Our website uses cookies. Speeds are generally in the 35 mph range, so allow appropriate travel time. Waterproof Outer Layers: If you plan on doing any winter hiking, or snow play, you will want waterproof hiking pants (these are also great) and a waterproof jacket. While some adults might find this trail boring, kids LOVE it. 47050 Generals Highway If you stay within the confines of the railing, this is a very safe trail, and is a lot of fun with a partner or two. Layers, layers, layers is what everyone always says for any winter destination and Sequoia is no different. Continuing southward, the highway enters Giant Forest. Before you go, I recommend checking the National Park Service websites for updates about road closures and conditions in both parks. Moro Rock rises 6,725 feet above sea level, but hikers only have to climb the last 300 feet of that elevation to enjoy the vast panoramic views. Driving to Sequoiascary ASF? : r/Bakersfield - Reddit Trust me.. Arrive early to avoid crowds. The Generals Highway is the main (and only) paved road running through Sequoia National Park from the north to south entrances. Check our our USA Road Trip Guide for travel ideas and sample itineraries. Get pointers for a quick snack break if you're hungry. I would say yes, but hopefully you have an experienced driver. Take US-50 E/CA-99 S towards Fresno. We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. Any suggestion for planning an out west trip would be appreciated. Sequoia National Park was established in 1890 to protect groves of the big trees, which are among the worlds largest and oldest living things. I definitely thought so! You can also learn more about the national parks and get a FREE printable checklist in our US National Parks Checklist. Moro Rock Trail | Sequoia | Hikespeak.com YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Check out our article Best Things to Do in Yosemite for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. We took a couple of stops along the way to catch our breath. They stop at Lodgepole, General Sherman, and the Giant Forest Museum. 47050 Generals Hwy # 10, Three Rivers, CA 93271, Tour of California Self-Guided Driving Bundle, Joshua Tree National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour, Ultimate Lake Tahoe Self-Guided Driving Tour, Pacific Coast Highway & Big Sur Self-Guided Driving Tour. Vehicle length limits and advisories are in place on many park roads, including the Generals Highway from the foothills to Giant Forest. I used these snow boots during our visit and they worked well. However, be prepared for somewhat narrow lanes compared to other major national park roads, construction delays and steep drop-offs on the sides of the road with no guardrails : |. Extensive road damage requiring significant repairs occurred during winter storms in early 2023. Coming from Vegas, the west rim is the most accessible part of the. I think the drive from San Jose to Sequoia/King Canyon is tough? Snow Boots: One of the most important things to have during any winter visit to Sequoia is decent winter boots. Read all of our articles about California in our California Travel Guide and about the USA in our United States Travel Guide. Cedar Grove and Zumwalt Meadows are located in the valley of Kings Canyon. Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. The Rock is in our back yard and we had not seen it. While social distancing measures are still being enacted, the restaurant and bar are available for take out only. Park rangers will turn guests away once the park reaches capacity, so it is advised to go early especially on weekends or holidays. During the winter, the Generals Highway, a 25 mile road connecting the two parks is often closed due to high snow levels. Crampons: This was one of our favorite purchases for our trip to Sequoia in winter. No gas in the Parks Cross-Country Skiing Scenic Drives Where to Camp Where to Stay Nearby How to Get There Accessibility Tips for Your Visit Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - Headquarters Address 47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA Phone +1 559-565-3341 Web Visit website Wuksachi Lodge is the only hotel located within the Sequoia National Park area. This shuttle connects Moro Rock, the Giant Forest Museum, and the General Sherman tree for free. Once you arrive, youll see why this park is a state treasure! This is also the starting point for the Congress Trail mentioned above. to keep the kids hydrated and happy during your adventures. During our visit, we managed to walk about 3.7 miles total. Distance: 250 mi/402 km Tucked away in the California mountains is a treasure of natural wonder. problems. Planning a visit to the US national parks? Changing travel date? (Note: snowshoes are not snow boots these are different than regular boots and something you add onto your existing waterproof boots). Get acquainted with Kings Canyon, the sister park to Sequoia. Its a very small town with limited options for accommodations and restaurants, but it is close to the park entrance. This self-guided driving tour takes you through enormous, ancient groves at Sequoia National Park. Elevations within Sequoia and Kings Canyon range from 1,370 feet (0.4km) to 14,494 feet (4.4km). This portion is quite winding, but it's ok as long as you follow the rules not over-speed. The drive from Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park is about 4 hours heading north past Bakersfield via the I-5 northbound. In our Half Dome Hiking Guide, learn what it takes to hike this challenging trail. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. P.O. Self-Guided Driving & Walking ToursAn audio guide, map, and tour book all in one! My tip: start your day as early as possible! Seems to me the best time would be in the morning before the heat begins to create the haze that sometimes comes in. Hi Julie As always, thank you for the amazing, informative posts!!!! Find out how people traversed these parks as you make your way to Kings Canyon. General Grant Grove is located just beyond the entrance to Kings Canyon. In other years, you can rent snowshoes from the Lodgepole Market or the Grant Grove Gift Shop on the Kings Canyon side. De Su Mama is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. Visitors call it breathtaking and beautiful, but they also caution that. Driving: The drive to Sequoia National Park from Los Angeles is about 5 hours without traffic. To continue using online map services, turn off the "avoid tolls" feature for the most direct and safe route to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Subscribe to our newsletter belowcoupon code on the next screen. In the parks, wildlife has the right of way. It was almost instant motion sickness as I read about so I came prepared and gave us and the kids gum, which helps mitigate that issue. Your email address will not be published. Uncover the history of the Native tribes who lived in this region long before anyone else arrived. Find out how giant sequoias survive in a harsh mountain climate and how that might be changing as years go by. All individual tours come with lifetime validity. Fresno to Sequoia National Park - Sequoia Shuttle Electric vehicle charging stations may be available near the parks. In normal years I might suggest staying inside the park so you can avoid driving on the windy curvy roads every day, however during COVID I highly recommend staying outside of the park where you have more flexibility in cooking your meals and keeping socially distant. Also, there is no gasoline available in the park. If not, put it on your bucket list and get busy planning your trip with our tips below. The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (Highway 180) is carved into granite and winds down into Kings Canyon, with the walls closing in at some junctions and bends - in a good way. In Fresno, take exit 133B onto CA-180 E. Continue to the Big Stump entrance of Kings Canyon National Park. Admire this enormous stump and hear about its bizarre history. Overall, this drive must be completed on any trip to Sequoia National Park. Shortly before sunset the lighting provided by sun and clouds set off each layer of foothills and Sierra crest in distinct clarity. The drive from Zumwalt Meadows in Kings Canyon to our first stop in Sequoia, the General Sherman tree, takes 1.5 to 2 hours (63 miles). Embark on a popular hike which leads to a truly impressive wilderness waterfall. Learn about the wildlife you might find in the park, both great and small. The road winds along the mountains, descending down into Kings Canyon. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is the main road in Sequoia National Park, going north-south. Bean to Bar Chocolate Workshop in Puerto Vallarta. The trail on this granite mountain is cement steps, about the same size and shape as those in your house. Renting an airbnb allows you to cook your own meals rather than relying on the offerings at the hotels inside the park. Required fields are marked *. Generals Highway connects the two parks, and their two celebrated stands of giant sequoia groves. Otherwise you will have to drive to Grants Grove in Kings Canyon NP to the next restaurant (25 miles north of Wuksachi). Youre welcome! The parks and Sequoia Natl Monument are next to each other. I had planned to take my two but decided against it after learning about some questionable handrails. tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day! This is a gorgeous place to visit and for those who want to explore the backcountry of Kings Canyon, this area is the jumping off point. DEATH VALLEY: Here are 5 reasons why Death Valley should be the next national park you visit. A number of popular hiking trailheads are located at selected turnouts along the way, as are overlooks to rocky ridges and sequoia groves. Lodgepole is also the turn-off for Tokopah Falls, your next stop on your one-day Sequoia National Park itinerary. During our recent visit we had chilly 32 degree mornings with warmer afternoons reaching up into the low 50s. The highway is notoriously steep, narrow, winding, and difficult to drive, especially its southern section from Hospital Rock to Giant Forest within Sequoia National Park. USA ROAD TRIPS: Planning your next big adventure in the USA? Here are a few places we recommend in Three Rivers: Another option in Three Rivers if you cannot find an Airbnb rental is the Comfort Inn. Online map services and GPS devices may offer routes that avoid park entrance stations but lead you onto remote roads that could leave you stuck with a damaged vehicle. I guess I should say 180 as a whole and not just the highway was scary and very long and winding. It is roughly 50 miles from the south entrance to the road junction leading to the north entrance/exit (which is actually in Kings Canyon National Park). There were certainly a few very pretty vista points, but it just truly felt like it took forever to get to Sequoia. When visiting Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks, you can enter from either the North (via Squaw Valley), or from the South (via Three Rivers).